S.B. No. 284 amends the Transportation Code to establish clearer definitions and penalties related to the placement of unauthorized signs on public roadways. The bill introduces new definitions for "person" and "sign," expanding the scope of who can be held liable for violations. It specifies that a person who places or commissions the placement of a sign on the right-of-way of a public road without proper authorization may face civil penalties.

The bill also revises the penalty structure for violations, setting a maximum civil penalty of $1,000 for a first violation, $2,500 for a second violation, and $5,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The previous law's provisions regarding minimum penalties and the collection of separate penalties for continuing violations have been removed. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and only apply to violations occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 393.007 (Transportation Code 393)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 393.001, Transportation Code 393.007 (Transportation Code 393)